The Republic of Moldova has begun procedures for its definitive withdrawal from the statutory bodies of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy have approved the consultative opinions for denouncing the CIS Founding Agreement, its additional protocol, and the CIS Charter, TRIBUNA reports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated the denunciation of these agreements, arguing that the fundamental values and principles of the CIS are not being respected—particularly the provision stating that member states mutually recognize and respect the territorial integrity and inviolability of existing borders. This principle, which formed the basis of the CIS, is being violated by the Russian Federation, which is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, has committed acts of aggression against Georgia, and continues to maintain troops illegally on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.

The denunciation of the CIS Agreement is also described as a natural and inevitable step in achieving the country’s objective of joining the European Union.

The CIS Founding Agreement and its protocol were signed in December 1991 by 11 former Soviet states, including the Republic of Moldova. Their main purpose was to formalize the dissolution of the USSR and establish the CIS. The CIS Charter, signed in 1993, sets out the core principles on which the Community is built.

Once Parliament denounces the agreements, the state budget will save approximately 3.1 million lei, representing Moldova’s annual contribution to the CIS budget. Relations with CIS member states will continue after the denunciation through bilateral and multilateral platforms, and the Republic of Moldova will remain party to several CIS treaties, particularly in the trade‑economic and social fields.

To date, the Republic of Moldova has denounced around 70 CIS agreements as part of an ongoing process of aligning national policies and modernizing the country’s legislative and economic framework in line with EU standards and norms.